Trace the Scientific Method in a Primary Scientific Article

Written Assignment 1: Trace the Scientific Method in a Primary Scientific Article

In the experiment conducted on twenty-one mice to determine whether coffee prevents the development of high blood sugar, eleven of the mice in the control group were given water and the other ten mice in the treatment group were given coffee diluted with water at a 1:1 ratio. To successfully complete the experiment, the experimenters used the scientific method to come to the assumption of whether or not the coffee helped control high blood sugar as well as improve insulin sensitivity in the mice. Both groups of mice lived in similar conditions and were given relatively the same diets. After the five weeks, there was not a significant change in either in the body weight in either group of mice. The results did indicate however, that the blood glucose concentrations increased in the mice given only water compared to the 30% decrease blood glucose concentration of the mice given the chemical (coffee). (Yamauchi) The outcomes indicate that the coffee causes an oppressive effect on hyperglycemia by refining insulin sensitivity which indicates that the caffeine could be an operational antidiabetic compound in coffee.

The proper scientific approach was used in the manner in which the mice were grouped, by having a control group and a treated group. However, there is no evidence that determines that the mice in both groups were identical in size and structure. This could hinder the proper results based on the size, weight, and pre-existing health conditions the mice may have.   The experiment was basic and simple so the health conditions, weight, and size may not have a significant impact on how the experiment played out. Considering that the mice in the treatment group had a thirty percent decrease in blood glucose concentration, the amount of coffee given to the mice seems to be sufficient.

Because mice have the similar cell make up, biological characteristics, and genetic characteristics of humans, mice and rats are convenient for medical experiments. “Rats and mice are mammals that share many processes with humans and are appropriate for use to answer many research questions.” (Haliski) Human aliments and can be replicated to mice and rats therefore researchers use these rodents to help solve the medical mysteries of humans.  

Works cited

Yamauchi et al. (2010). Coffee and caffeine ameliorate hyperglycemia, fatty liver, and inflammatory adipocytokine expression in spontaneously diabetic KK-Ay mice. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 58 (9), 5597-5603. May 12, PMID: 20405946, ISSN: 1520-5118.

Melina, B. R. (2010). Why Do Medical Researchers Use Mice? Retrieved January 25, 2016, from http://www.livescience.com/32860-why-do-medical-researchers-use-mice.html